The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed strong displeasure over the alleged leak of the NEET-UG question paper, emphasizing that the authorities must not disappoint the country's youth. The court rapped the National Testing Agency (NTA) and stressed the need for accountability in the matter.
Court's Strong Remarks
Hearing a petition related to the leak, the bench observed that the incident has caused immense distress among students. The court stated, 'We should not disappoint youngsters. They have worked hard, and such incidents shake their trust in the system.' The judges directed the NTA to take immediate corrective measures and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Government's Response
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, informed the court that the administration is taking the matter very seriously. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally supervising the situation and that the government is committed to protecting the interests of the students. Mehta assured the court that a thorough investigation is underway and that strict action will be taken against the culprits.
Background of the Case
The NEET-UG 2026 exam, conducted by the NTA, faced allegations of a paper leak, leading to widespread protests by aspirants across the country. Students demanded a re-examination and strict action against the perpetrators. The Supreme Court had earlier sought a detailed report from the NTA on the security measures in place.
Call for Reforms
Several petitioners have urged the court to order a fresh exam to ensure fairness. The court, while acknowledging the gravity of the issue, has asked the NTA to propose measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The bench also highlighted the need for a robust mechanism to safeguard the integrity of competitive exams.
The next hearing is scheduled for next week, where the NTA is expected to submit its action plan.
